You may already know some of the things you want to do. You may want to learn new skills, make more choices about your day, spend more time in your community, or feel more confident doing things on your own.
Sometimes, you just need someone to help you learn, practice, or feel more comfortable along the way.
That is where the right support can make a difference. It can give you the encouragement and assistance you need while you work toward the things that matter to you.
What Could Being More Independent Look Like for You?
Independence can mean having more choices and more control over your everyday life.
For you, it might mean:
- Learning to prepare a meal
- Following your daily routine
- Choosing how you spend your time
- Learning a new skill
- Going shopping or participating in community activities
- Spending time with friends
- Making decisions about your personal goals
Your goals may be different from someone else’s. That’s why your support should be based on what you want to learn, do, and accomplish.
How Can IDD Support Help You Become More Independent?
IDD support can help you work on everyday skills, build confidence, and participate in activities that are important to you.
Build Everyday Skills
You may want to become more comfortable preparing meals, keeping your space organized, following a routine, or handling other daily activities.
A support professional can help you learn and practice these skills while providing assistance when you need it. The goal is to help you build your abilities, not simply do everything for you.
Make Your Own Choices
Being independent also means having a say in your own life. You should have opportunities to choose what you do, how you spend your time, which activities you enjoy, and what goals you want to work toward.
Your support should help you make those choices rather than make every decision for you.
Take Part in Your Community
You may want to go shopping, visit friends, enjoy a hobby, attend community activities, or explore places you like.
Support can make these experiences easier and help you become more comfortable taking part in your community.
Build Confidence
Trying something new can feel difficult, especially when you’re not sure if you can do it.
Having someone support you while you practice can help you become more confident. As you learn and gain experience, you may find that you can do more things on your own.
What Does Individualized IDD Support Look Like?
Your support should start with what matters to you.
Two people may both receive IDD support but have very different goals. One person may want to learn how to cook. Another may want to become more comfortable going out in the community. Someone else may want help building a better daily routine.
Your support can take your:
- Interests
- Abilities
- Needs
- Talents
- Preferences
- Personal goals
into consideration.
At Aging With Comfort, we understand that there is no single approach that works for everyone. As a Pennsylvania home care and support provider, we focus on helping each person receive support that fits their life rather than asking them to fit into someone else’s routine.
Does IDD Support Mean Someone Will Do Everything for You?
No. Good support is about helping you do more, not taking over.
For example, if you want to learn how to prepare a meal, your support professional might help you understand the steps, practice safely, and gain confidence. They don’t necessarily need to prepare the meal for you every time.
The right support can help you build skills while still allowing you to make your own choices and take an active role in your daily life.
The Right Support Should Help You Do More
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. With the right support, you can build skills, make choices, participate in your community, and work toward the goals that matter to you.
At Aging With Comfort, our goal is to provide support that fits your life, not ask you to fit into someone else’s routine.
If you’d like to learn more, explore our IDD Support Services to see how we can help achieve your goals.